What are the differences between organic, cruelty free, vegan or even natural cosmetics? Leslie Beck, spokesperson for Happybrush, answered our questions.
Times have changed. If before no one really paid attention to the composition of beauty products, today it has become a major criterion. To deal with this, brands have become more transparent about the formulation of cosmetics, and some have even had to review the ingredients used in their care. Little by little, beauty products have become more natural. Cosmetics is one of the sectors that is currently undergoing particularly significant development. “In 2025, the global market for organic and natural body care products should represent a turnover of more than 22 billion euros” says our expert Leslie Beck, spokesperson for Happybrush, a company specializing in responsible vegan oral care.
Today’s consumers are interested in natural cosmetics, but also more respectful
of the environment and animal wellbeing. We can also highlight an awareness of plastic consumption and the treatment of animals within society. Consequently, consumers are increasingly excluding products of animal origin from their daily lives by turning to products natural, eco-friendly and vegan. But what do these mentions really mean and what are the differences between these quality labels?
“Behind every quality label for natural cosmetics hides a certificate according to a recognized standard of natural cosmetics, carried out by an accredited certifier” explains Leslie Beck. “A label is therefore a guarantee of compliance with certain criteria, symbolized by a logo. Organic and natural labels are numerous. Their origin often depends on the country, and their criteria vary, but they all guarantee a majority natural and organic ingredients. As for the vegan and cruelty free labels, they guarantee the presence of substances only of vegetable origin and certify that no ingredient has been tested on animals.
Focus on the 5 labels that we see the most in France:
COSMEBIO:
- Minimum 95% ofplant ingredients from organic farming composing the product, water included.
- Minimum 10% of ingredients from organic farming composing the product, excluding water and minerals.
- Maximum 5% synthetic ingredients.
ECO-CERT:
- Minimum 95% plant ingredients from organic farming composing the product, water included.
- Minimum 10% of ingredients from organic farming composing the product, excluding water and minerals.
- Maximum 5% synthetic ingredients.
COSMOS ORGANIC:
- Minimum 95% plant ingredients from organic farming composing the product, water included.
- Minimum 20% of ingredients from organic farming composing the product, excluding water and minerals.
- No synthetic ingredients.
CRUELTY FREE:
- 0% of the finished product and its ingredients have been tested on animals.
VEGAN :
- 0% ingredients of animal origin in the product.